——What kind of product is “Acesulfame K (Potassium)”?

Acesulfame K (Potassium) is a so-called artificial sweetener, said to be 200 times sweeter than sugar. It was originally developed in Germany and is a product whose safety has been confirmed by international organizations around the world, including the WHO, and its use was approved by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in Japan in 2000.

Its uses include as a sugar substitute in chewing gum, fresh sweets, jams, pickles, ice cream, and various beverages.

——When did HighChem start handling it?

HighChem has been the exclusive agent for Acesulfame K (Potassium) in the Japanese market with Anhui Weituo Food Ingredients Co., Ltd. in China for about 10 years since 2013, and has been developing the Japanese market for this product.

——You have obtained the exclusive agency rights for Acesulfame K (Potassium) in the Japanese market.

Yes. It is the result of my senior colleague’s meticulous guidance to the manufacturer, one by one, to clear the strict quality standards for adoption in Japan. By doing so, we were able to gain the trust of the manufacturer and the Japanese companies that introduce it, and I think we were able to obtain the exclusive agency rights.

That senior colleague is someone who was thoroughly drilled in Japanese quality standards and process management in the major mobility industry in Japan, and he really loves factories and conducts thorough research even in different fields to guide manufacturers. He has been deeply involved in the factories of Chinese manufacturers, day and night, imparting the perspectives and standards for being adopted by major Japanese companies.

In addition to our company’s passion, the manufacturer also worked hard to aim for the top with us, and I think this has led to a win-win relationship today.

——Please tell us about the macro environment surrounding the product.

The Japanese market for Acesulfame K (Potassium) is 500 tons per year, and traditionally, German products were widely circulated, but recently, Chinese products are struggling with cost competitiveness. News was announced last year that the import volume of this product to Japan from January to September 2023 was the highest ever. The fact that we have an exclusive contract with one of the major manufacturers of these Chinese products is a big strength for our company.

——Please tell us the point of differentiation for the products handled by HighChem.

Well, first of all, the products we handle at our company clear the strict Japanese standards. At HighChem, we have a team of engineers, as introduced earlier, who thoroughly implement safety management for Chinese manufacturers. These achievements have been recognized, and we have been able to win adoption by major beverage manufacturers in Japan and others. Having a track record of adoption by Japanese companies with high quality requirements proves the safety of the product and becomes a major point of differentiation.

Also, it’s the cost competitiveness that can be achieved because it’s China. In addition, by having HighChem in between, we can also respond to detailed needs such as delivery.

——Please tell us about your enthusiasm and future goals!

Currently, as the Food & Health Materials Division, we are actively expanding the range of products we handle, not only food additives such as sweeteners, but also products related to food and health materials. For example, there is still room for development for products that match customer needs, such as thickening polysaccharides, which are increasing in demand due to the increase in the elderly population.

Also, based on the experience we have cultivated in China so far, we want to actively expand globally, such as in India and Southeast Asia.